In 2018, French-Syrian singer Mennel Ibtissem captivated audiences during her blind audition on The Voice France. Choosing Leonard Cohen’s iconic “Hallelujah,” she gave the song her own unique interpretation, beginning softly in English before seamlessly transitioning into Arabic.
Her delicate yet emotional voice, combined with the unexpected bilingual shift, stunned the judges and moved the audience. Within seconds, all four coaches turned their chairs, a clear sign of their admiration. The performance quickly went viral online, celebrated for both its beauty and its cultural bridge between languages and traditions.
Mennel’s audition stood out not only for her vocal talent but also for the message of unity and peace her performance conveyed. Even years later, her rendition of “Hallelujah” remains one of the most memorable moments in The Voice France history.
